Former Oakland and Alabama Quarterback Ken Stabler Dies at 69

Quarterback Ken Stabler (12) of the Oakland Raiders gets off his pass behind perfect protection, as his team completes another touchdown en route to a 32-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 9, 1977. (Associated Press)

Quarterback Ken Stabler (12) of the Oakland Raiders gets off his pass behind perfect protection, as his team completes another touchdown en route to a 32-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 9, 1977. (Associated Press)

(The Washington Post) – Ken “Snake” Stabler, who led the Raiders to their first Super Bowl victory and won an NFL MVP award, died on Thursday at age 69. According to his family, the former quarterback succumbed to colon cancer, which he had been battling since February.

The Raiders released a statement about the passing of one of their greats, and they also provided comments from former Oakland coach John Madden:

“The Raiders are deeply saddened by the passing of the great Ken Stabler,” said owner Mark Davis. “He was a cherished member of the Raider family and personified what it means to be a Raider. He wore the Silver and Black with Pride and Poise and will continue to live in the hearts of Raider fans everywhere. Our sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to Kenny’s family.”

“I was head coach of the Raiders the entire time Kenny was there and he led us to a whole bunch of victories including one in Super Bowl XI,” Madden said. “I’ve often said, If I had one drive to win a game to this day, and I had a quarterback to pick, I would pick Kenny. Snake was a lot cooler than I was. He was a perfect quarterback and a perfect Raider. When you think about the Raiders you think about Ken Stabler. Kenny loved life. It is a sad day for all Raiders.”

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